Nag Panchami, the
fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravan,falls this
year on July 26th. On this day people in the Valley (and also in
much of India) worship the Naga serpent-gods who dwell half the year on
earth, and the other half in the Patala netherworld. Small
painted pictures of nagas are stuck with cow-dung over the thresholds
of houses, and then worshipped with sacred kusha grass, incensce,
lights, vermillion powder, and a food offering consisting usually of
milk, or rice-water, honey, curds and boiled rice.
It is important to worship the
Nagas because they bring the nurturing rains to the valley. The
Nagas are also believed to breathe in stale air and exhale fresh air,
so that all living beings can thrive. Let us worship and honor
them with respect and devotion.
It rained for the first time in more than a week last night. This could be the start of something big, I hope. We need the rains that the Nagas bring.
Here's wishing you a rainy, wet, and wild Nag Panchami !
It rained for the first time in more than a week last night. This could be the start of something big, I hope. We need the rains that the Nagas bring.
Here's wishing you a rainy, wet, and wild Nag Panchami !
Love and Pranams,
Billy
Billy